Employees State Insurance Scheme of India is the country's first integrated multi-dimensional social security scheme for workers in the organized sector. Medical care under this scheme is implemented in the State of Kerala through the Insurance Medical Services.

ESI scheme started functioning in Kerala State on 16-09-1956 in seven centres. In due course of time the scheme was implemented in all major centres in the State. For the effective implementation of the scheme a separate department was formed on 01-04-1985 namely Insurance Medical Services under the administrative control of Labour Department, Government of Kerala, prior to which the scheme was implemented through State Health Services department.